Photos: Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom

Spring is in the air in Tokyo, where the Japanese city’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Take a look.

A white-eye bird is surrounded by fully bloomed cherry blossoms in Tokyo on March 21, 2013. Viewing cherry blossoms is a national pastime and cultural event in Japan, where millions of people turn out to admire them annually. Japan’s weather agency announced on March 16 the official beginning of cherry blossom season in Tokyo, equalling the record for the earliest ever start.